ABREAST!

The Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi Stadium in Woldiya, in Amhara Regional State, was inaugurated on Saturday, January 14, 2017, in the presence of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (right) and Mohammed Al-Almoudi (Sheikh).

The Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi Stadium in Woldiya, in Amhara Regional State, was inaugurated on Saturday, January 14, 2017, in the presence of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (right) and Mohammed Al-Almoudi (Sheikh), as well as Amhara regional President Gedu Andargachew. The stadium consumed over half a billion Birr investment and took over four years to complete, and has a capacity of over 25,000 seats. The cost was fully covered by the Midroc Technology Group.

It will now be able to host local, national and international sporting events. The stadium is the first in Ethiopia to have a full roof. Al-Amoudi grew up in Woldiya and became a billionaire businessman around the world, with an investment company in Ethiopia incorporating around 70 group and affiliated companies active in the construction industry and across other sectors.

“The community here has a very special love of sport,” said Al-Amoudi. “This stadium is my gift to the people of Woldiya.”

The largest sports facility in Ethiopia still remains Bahir Dar Stadium, with about 50,000 seats. It is at 85pc completion.

“The government will work with private and public sector stakeholders to build modern sporting facilities in all regions across the country,” said Haliemariam.